Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Operation Phantom Strike

Chapters

Prologue-The Only Easy Day...
Chapter 1-...Was Yesterday
Chapter 2-Contact Alpha
Chapter 3-Princess Twilight
Chaper 4-Introductions by the Score
Chapter 5 - Dreams
Chapter 6 - Hostile Contact
Chapter 7 - Engagement

Prologue-The Only Easy Day...

Equestria, Ponyville
Castle of Friendship

11:06 PM

Princess Twilight Sparkle didn't really stay up this late on weekdays. However, tonight was an exception. She had ignored her royal paperwork to spend time with her friends today, and she was paying the price at the moment.

"Twi?"

She turned to see Spike walk downstairs, wearing a miniature bathrobe.

"You still up?" he asked.

"I'm fine, Spike." she said. "This paperwork won't finish itself."

Spike sighed, knowing how much Twilight obsessed over finishing her work properly.

"Twi, go to bed." Spike advised. "It'll be here in the morning, and besides, you look like you haven't slept in days.

Twilight did hear his words, and she let loose a yawn.

"Point taken." she said. "Alright, I'll get to bed."

Spike nodded approvingly, and he headed back upstairs. As Twilight made sure he was out of sight and earshot, she quietly resumed her work. As she continued to look over the plans and itinerary she had set up, Spike called from upstairs, like a frustrated parent.

"Twilight, for Celestia's sake, go to sleep!"

"Alright!" Twilight rolled her eyes, like the unwilling child of the aforementioned frustrated parent. Setting her work aside, she reluctantly left her desk and headed upstairs to bed. Huffing at Spike's expression of "I caught you", she collapsed into her four-poster bed.

"Twilight?"

"Yes?" she said to Spike.

"You go back downstairs once I'm asleep, I'm not making you breakfast." Spike said from the doorway. "You need sleep, badly."

"Fine, fine."

As Twilight closed her eyes, she fell asleep almost instantly. Spike rolled his own eyes, knowing how much of a workaholic Twilight was. As he headed into his own room, he hopped into bed and was soon asleep himself.

====

As the sun rose and Twilight woke up, she did feel significantly more refreshed. As she went downstairs, Spike looked over at her from the stove.

"Morning." he said. "What did I tell you? The paperwork is still there, right where you left it."

"That's not what I'm worried about." she replied, sitting down. "I just wanted to finish it on time."

"That's an understatement to end them all." Spike muttered.

"What was that?" she asked.

"Nothing!"

As Spike served her a plate of eggs and hay bacon, Twilight ate at a refined pace while Spike dove into his own breakfast with ferocity.

"Geez, Spike, slow down." she said. "You're eating like a maniac."

"Says the pony who would stay up all night doing paperwork." Spike snorted. "Twilight, I'll be fine."

"Oh, that's coming from the dragon who spent the entirety of yesterday reading comics instead of the chores I asked him to do!" Twilight replied.

"I thought you said I deserved a day off!" Spike retorted.

"Yeah, after your chores were done." Twilight responded. Spike was about to reply when their stomachs let out a rumble at the same time. As the two of them looked at each other, then began to laugh, Twilight sighed.

"Okay, let's just forget that happened." she said. "Let's eat."

"Sure thing."

As Twilight finished her breakfast and looked over her itinerary for the day, Spike looked up.

"Anything good?" he asked her.

"Just a few small things." Twilight replied. "We'll be free from 11 onwards if we're lucky. Come on, let's go find the girls."

As the two of them headed outside, Spike suddenly got the feeling he was being watched. Turning around to survey the area, he saw nothing but air. As he ran to catch up with Twilight, a gust of wind blew past, stirring the leaves.

====
Earth, United States, North Carolina

Fort Bragg, Office of Colonel Scott Mitchell

As the sun rose over North Carolina, Scott Mitchell sat in his chair, looking over data on his laptop. Hunter Team had just dismantled the Raven's Rock faction in Russia, and returned relative peace to the region.

Relative being the key word in that statement. The international fallout was still coming down all around. Raven's Rock still had international connections, and unraveling them all was still a job that needed done.

Scott Mitchell was left to finish that job, which brought him to his current position. Then, an alert appeared on his laptop.

"Hmm." he murmured, looking over the notification. "I suppose I can take a break for this."

As he headed out of his office and towards the airstrip, a Blackhawk Helicopter landed in front of him, with four men in fatigues disembarking with duffel bags at the ready.

"Gentlemen, welcome to Fort Bragg." Mitchell said.

"Good to be here, sir." the point man said."Captain Matthew Gates, Aegis Team Lead."

"Aegis Team?" Mitchell said, with rare surprise. "I've seen your files, and heard good things."

"Honored." Staff Sergeant Thomas Sipes said, coming forward. "Shall we be off?"

"Let's." Mitchell said as the five men entered the darkened mess hall. As Sergeants James Trevor and Caleb Adams retrieved a case of beer, Mitchell, Gates, and Sipes sat down.

"So far, you've impressed me." Mitchell said as the men sat down. "Cheers to that."

"Cheers."

As the men drank, Mitchell's cell phone began to ring.

"Excuse me, gents." he said, stepping away. As Castle Team waited, they could overhear a few things, mostly profanity and exclamations of disbelief. As Mitchell came back in, he swore rather loudly.

"What's wrong, sir?" Gates asked.

"We've just received word of an attack on the UN in Manhattan." Mitchell said. "Five simultaneous blasts, at least half of the complex is now rubble."

"Any survivors?" Gates asked.

"Negative as of now." Mitchell said.

As the Ghosts stood up in shock, Travis cursing under his breath, Mitchell continued in a dark voice.

"I've got good news and bad news for you, if you see it that way." he said. "You four are taking orders from me now. Bad news is that you're getting an IOU on your official welcome. Get kitted up, you're going to Manhattan to provide backup. I'll show you to the armory."

As the four Ghosts nodded, Mitchell led them to the base's weapons depot. As the Ghosts strapped on their gear and loaded their weapons, Sipes frowned.

"Something wrong, Staff Sergeant?" Mitchell asked.

"Anyone claim responsibility?" he replied.

"Negative as well, but we'll find out soon enough." Mitchell sighed. "Get moving, Blackhawk's taking us to a Carrier en route to New York. We'll get more details there. Situation's still developing, but we've got a job to do."

"Yes, sir."

As the five men exited the base and boarded the helicopter, the stars faded from the night sky.

Author's Note

Yep, a crossover with both Future Soldier and Wildlands. Expect El Sueno to show up, along with Nomad and crew.

Next time-The Ghosts arrive in New York.

EDITS 4-19-19 Changed "Castle" to "Aegis", and continuity fixes.

Chapter 1-...Was Yesterday

New York Harbor, Manhattan
USS Ticonderoga

Flight Deck

As Scott Mitchell looked over the latest reports on the UN through an MRT, he looked to his left and smiled. Aegis Team, now clad in their Ghost Gear and modular Exo-suit, boarded alongside him and gave him four thumbs-up.

"Pilot, all set." Mitchell said.

"Roger that, Major! Heading up!"

As the Blackhawk took to the sky, Gates turned to Mitchell.

"Anything new?" he asked.

"Details are on your MRTs." Mitchell replied. "Lock and load, NYPD's on scene and waiting for us."

As the helicopter set itself down, the Ghosts put away their tablets and disembarked to a scene of complete, controlled chaos. NYPD units and first responders were running about, and Aegis Team could see several body bags underneath a tarp.

"Jesus." Sipes said. "Who would do this kind of shit? I mean, the UN? That's pretty low."

"We've dealt with lower in my time, Staff Sergeant." Mitchell said. "I'll take a look around, you do the same. If you find anything, bring it here."

"Yes, sir."

As the Ghosts entered what remained of the General Assembly building, Gates loaded his HK416 with a metallic click. Scouring through the wrecked area, he knelt down to inspect a partially burnt area of the floor.

"Major, Aegis Lead." he said. "Found some kind of burn mark on the floor, possible detonation site."

As he surveyed the site, his hand on his sidearm, a small glint of metal caught his eye. As he knelt down, he pulled out an oblong metallic box with a camera lens of some kind built into it. It was also covered in wires and switches, which made Gates a little uneasy.

"Major, Aegis Lead." he said. "I've found some kind of device in the wreckage. Returning to camp now."

"Understood." Mitchell replied. As Gates slung his rifle over his shoulder and lifted the object up, he heard something inside clink like glass.

====

As the four Ghosts and Mitchell regrouped at the NYPD base camp, Mitchell looked over the device with raised eyebrow.

"Get some tech-types here, right now." he ordered an NYPD officer, who ran off. As the Ghosts looked it over, Gates saw a small lever on the side. Flicking it open, the top of the box came off, revealing the inside of the device. It was mostly wires and circuitry, but they all connected to one thing.

A chunk of glass-like crystal. held in place by clamps.

"The hell's that?" Trevor said. "Some kind of crystal?"

"Search me." Mitchell said, genuinely surprised. "Only one way to find out, though. Turn it on."

As the Ghosts readied themselves, Mitchell flicked a few switches at random, followed by the central button. As the device began to hum, Mitchell stood back in anticipation.

Then, a white beam of light shot out of the lens, forming a white oval shape in the air. As the Ghosts and everyone nearby dropped their jaws, the vortex displayed the image of a small town surrounded by trees.

"The hell?" Adams asked. "Is that a portal or some shit? This is straight sci-fi, man."

"No shit." Trevor replied. "What's the play, sir?"

Mitchell sighed, and punched the main button once more. The portal closed, and he pulled out his phone.

"I've got to make a few phone calls, or possibly more." he said. "Get this back to the Ticonderoga ASAP and lock it somewhere safe and quiet. I'll deal with whatever comes up."

"Yes, sir."

As the Ghosts loaded the device into the Blackhawk, and took off for the waiting aircraft carrier, Mitchell dialed a number and waited for a voice to speak.

"Identify."

"This is Colonel Scott Mitchell, patch me through. Access code Echo Victor Twelve-Sixteen." he said.

"One moment...clear. Patching in three, two, one."

As Mitchell sighed, another voice spoke.

"Colonel, what have you found?"

"We've got a big problem on our hands." Mitchell said, reporting the recent development at the UN. There was silence, until the voice spoke again.

"Understood. Tier One assets are currently en route to the Ticonderoga to retrieve the device and debrief your team. This is to remain quiet, at all costs. If we're really in a Contact Alpha scenario, we need to be ready."

"Roger." Mitchell said. "Anything else?"

"This will most likely end up on the President's desk, so be prepared." the voice spoke. "Until then, quiet as can be. Clear?"

"Clear."

As Mitchell ended the call, he sighed in frustration.

"What else could go wrong today?" he groaned before returning to the inevitable load of paperwork ahead of him.

====
USS Ticonderoga

Engineering Deck

As the Ghosts of Aegis Team dropped the portal device off on a secured workbench, Sipes dusted off his hands in approval.

"Good work. One scary, sci-fi device secured on an aircraft carrier, coming right up." he smiled.

"Want fries with that?" Adams replied. "So, Gates, what's our plan going forward?"

"We wait and deal with it when the time comes." Gates replied. "Let's get a move on, Colonel Mitchell should be on the flight deck by now."

The Ghosts headed back to the deck, and leaned on the starboard railing.

"Hey, guys?" Trevor said. "Remember that little town we saw in the portal?"

"Yeah?" Gates replied.

"Who do you think lives there? Those houses couldn't have been built themselves." Trevor thought out loud. "At least, not any house that I know of."

"A self-assembling house?" Adams laughed. "I can see it now. Batteries not included, no assembly required. Not for people under age 21."

As the Ghosts chuckled, Gates looked over at the Manhattan Skyline.

"So, now that I think of it…" he said quietly. "You might have a point, Trevor. Who's going through to the other side?"

"You are." Scott Mitchell said, coming towards them. "I've just received word from the President regarding our new complication. The four of you are initiating contact with whatever's on the other side. Gentlemen, prepare to make history."

"We're ready for anything, sir." Gates said. "What's the plan?"

"Once you're through, find out whoever, if anything, lives on the other side. Establish as much diplomatic presence as you can. That includes learning the local language as best you can. Finally, once we know who their leadership is, we'll send proper diplomatic overtures through." Mitchell said. "This is high risk, high reward, so be careful, and don't bring up the UN attack or your mission until the proper time."

"Rules of engagement?" Adams asked.

"If engaged by hostiles, retreat, report back and minimize all potential casualties." Mitchell said as they descended to the Engineering Deck. "If all else fails, keep weapons tight, but you may engage at your discretion."

"Roger." Gates nodded as the men approached the portal, which was secured to the ground and monitored by several soldiers. As Mitchell hit the main switch, the portal opened once again.

"Green light." Mitchell said to the Ghosts, who jumped through without a word. As the portal closed and the vortex faded, Mitchell went to the radio.

"Aegis, this is Overlord, do you copy?" he asked. There was quiet, until Gates's voice replied.

"Affirmative, we've got you 5 for 5 somehow." Gates replied. "We've landed near a hilltop, bordering a village of some kind. I think it's the same one that we saw the first time. We can breathe normally, and it's almost like Earth on this end."

"Roger." Mitchell said. "Advance and set up observation. Keep a low profile."

"Confirmed!" Gates said, the crunching of grass could be heard as well. "We're moving to the village, eta one mike. Aegis Team out."

As Mitchell stepped back, he smiled to himself.

"History in the making." he scoffed. "Alright gentlemen, let's get this packed up. We've got a lot of work to do."

As the US Navy Engineers prepped the portal device for transport, Mitchell heard his cell phone buzz.

"Scott Mitchell." he said.

"Major, report to the MTAC Room immediately." the voice said. "The President is requesting a status report."

"Understood." Mitchell said, heading out. As he entered the MTAC room, the images of several US Generals, the President's Cabinet, and President Edward Myers appeared on the screen.

"Major, status." the Secretary of Defense ordered.

"Yes, sir." Mitchell said. "Here's what we know…"

====

As Aegis Team walked through the grassy field that surrounded the town, their Active Cloak rendered them invisible to the unaided eye. Their near-invisible forms walked through the foliage, with their hands clutching their weapons.

"I'll tell you one thing." Adams whispered. "This place is beautiful."

"It is, but stay focused." Gates said. "We've got a mission to finish."

It wasn't long before they found themselves near a stone bridge over a riverbed with a building nearby.

"What's that, a school?" Trevor asked.

"How can you tell?" Adams asked.

Trevor motioned to a nearby sign, which read "Ponyville Schoolhouse" in red letters. Though it was english text, it was slightly more blocky and bold than human script.

"Ponyville, that's where we are." Sipes said. "Who the hell names a town Ponyville?"

"Don't know, don't care." Gates said. "Flank around, and start taking photos. Get everything documented and we'll send it back when we can."

As the Ghosts looped around the building and peeked inside, they saw a group of young-looking, pastel-colored equine quadrupeds sitting at desks. A clearly female and older equine sat at a desk, most likely grading papers.

"Fuck me." Gates said. "Miniature horses, some with horns."

"And wings." Trevor added over the Cross-com. "What is this place, some little kid's paradise?"

"At least they can write in english." Gates said. "Let's move and recon the rest of the town."

As the Ghosts moved away, one of the beings near the window looked to her right at the exact same moment the Ghosts cloaked.

====

Scootaloo's eyes widened as the mirages faded away into the grass near the playground. Shaking her head and then wiping her eyes, she scoffed to herself.

"Just your eyes seeing things, Scoots." she whispered. "Even though I'm pretty sure I saw mirages in the middle of the day when I shouldn't have, and they looked an awful lot like ghosts…"

Scootaloo pulled out a small notepad.

"Note to self-speak to Twilight about ghosts or mirages." she wrote. "She'll know what's going on."

"What's going on, might I ask?"

As Scootaloo jumped at the sound of Diamond Tiara's voice, she quickly frowned.

"Nothing you'd be concerned about." Scootaloo said, putting the note in her school bag.

"That's exactly what I'm concerned about." Diamond Tiara scoffed. "If you're so into keeping it secret, I'd like to know."

"It's none of your business." Scootaloo said more firmly. "Leave me alone, Diamond."

"Give me that note and I will." the filly said. "What's the matter? Something personal?"

"Diamond, even if I do give you my note, you'd still tease me." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "But if you must know, I saw a few mirages outside. Nothing to worry about."

"Really? You can't fly and now you're seeing mirages in the middle of the day?" Diamond laughed. "You really are hopeless."

"I know what I saw." Scootaloo said as Diamond sauntered over to the window. Pushing the window open, she scanned the playground with a haughty scoff.

"Nothing." she said. "Just the delusional blank-flank seeing things…"

As Scootaloo toned out Diamond's usual teasing, she then saw another mirage approach the window.

Make that four mirages. They weren't shaped like a pony, and if Scootaloo hadn't seen them before, she wouldn't have noticed them. One of the mirages took something out, and while still invisible, held it up.

It was a small canteen. As Scootaloo watched, the mirage opened it and held the canteen over Diamond Tiara's head. Then, it made a "hush" motion with its hoof.

It then dumped the entire canteen's worth of water onto Diamond Tiara with a graceful flourish. As the entire class looked on, a now thoroughly soaked Diamond Tiara began to wail like a banshee.

"What? Who? What?" she stammered. "My mane is ruined!"

As the entire class burst out laughing, Scootaloo watched the mirages turn away from the schoolhouse and head towards Sweet Apple Acres. They all faded away, except for one.

As Scootaloo looked on, the mirage saluted before disappearing into the air.

====

As the Ghosts made it out of earshot, Trevor immediately burst out laughing at Gates's actions.

"I can't fucking believe you just did that!" he chortled.

"I don't particularly like bullies." Gates shrugged. "Also Trevor, quiet down. You'll alert at least half the town."

"Sorry." Trevor sighed. "We moving?"

"Yeah." Gates said. "We'll find somewhere isolated to let our Cloak batteries recharge, then we'll radio command. Clear?"

"Clear." the other three Ghosts said. As they proceeded into an apple orchard, Gates smiled to himself.

"Focus, Gates." he said to himself. "You're on mission. You can think about this later, man. Focus!"

As they entered a barn near the orchard, they deactivated their cloak and began to rest up, with Adam's Super 90 pointed at the door.

Author's Note

Update!

Edit-Reworked plot and corrected errors, and expanded the chapter.

Next time-First contact between the Ghosts and the CMC.

EDIT - 4/19/19 - New edits.

Chapter 2-Contact Alpha

As Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo began their daily trek to their Clubhouse after the end of the day, Scootaloo was preoccupied with the mirages she had seen.

"Hey, Scoots?" Applebloom asked. "You ever believe in Ghosts?"

"Why's that?" Scootaloo asked.

"Well, Granny Smith says Ghosts are more than just...ghosts." Applebloom said. "She told me that Ghosts come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one goal."

"What kind of goal?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"To "punish the evil and aid the good"." Applebloom said. "She says if I ever see one, I should thank it."

Scootaloo nodded, and sighed.

"Hey, speaking of Ghosts, I think I saw some." she finally said. "When I finished my test, I looked out the window and saw four mirages or something like that."

"You did?" Applebloom said.

"Yeah, they disappeared for a bit, but when Diamond Tiara was teasing me, one of them dumped water on her." Scootaloo said. "I swear it's true. I wrote a note to ask Twilight about it. The thing is, they weren't ponies."

That made the other two fillies pause, letting Scootaloo continue.

"They looked like a minotaur, only a bit smaller and without the crooked legs." Scootaloo said. "And before they vanished, one saluted me like a Royal Guard would."

"A ghost saluted you?" Sweetie said as they entered Sweet Apple Acres. "That's definitely something you'd talk to Twilight about."

"Maybe we could get our Marks in Ghost Hunting!" Sweetie Belle said with excitement. "That's something we haven't tried yet!"

"Well, seeing as we're near the old barn…" Scootaloo said. "Let's make a plan there."

As they recited their usual rallying cry and headed for the barn, Applebloom stopped in front of the door,.

"What's up?" Sweetie Belle inquired.

"The door's already open, and it's supposed to be locked this time of year." Applebloom said. "Plus, check out these hoofprints."

As the fillies looked down, there were several long footprints clearly visible in mud tracked in front of the door. Applebloom pulled the door open, and light filled the room. To the fillies, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

As they advanced in, they didn't notice one of the mirages move on the top level.

====

"Shit." Gates cursed, looking over the hay bale he was sitting against. "We've got company. It's three of the kids from the school."

"How are you sure?" Sipes asked.

"Because I saluted one of them after I dumped that water." Gates said. "Adams, any way out from our end?"

"Not without making a lot of noise." Adams replied. "Should we scare them off?"

"No, that'll draw too much attention." Gates said. "Trevor, move to the bottom level and shut the door. We're initiating First Contact, but keep it quiet and contained."

"Roger."

As Trevor slowly moved onto a hay bale and past the three fillies, he moved into position near the door. When Gates gave him a nod, he pushed the door shut, darkening the room.

"What's that? Who turned out the lights?" one of them cried. As they looked around, they suddenly saw a small blue light appear above them.

"Stop yelling, and we'll turn some lights on." a voice spoke, masculine and authoritative. "Just stay quiet."

As the three fillies nodded, there was a dull click, and light filled the room. The three fillies saw a flashlight leaning against a hay bale…

...and the four mirages from earlier standing near them. The one in front nodded and sat down, slowly turning from invisible to visible in the process. The others followed suit, and looked at the three of them with expectation clear in their expressions.

"You're the ghosts I saw, aren't you?" Scootaloo asked. "Did you dump water on Diamond Tiara?"

"Yep." the leader said. "I'm not a bystander, if you get my meaning. I solve my problems directly."

"Thanks." Scootaloo said. "She's a bully, down to the bone."

"I figured." the leader said. "I heard her teasing you."

"Well, I owe you one." Scootaloo said. "I'm Scootaloo, that's Applebloom and Sweetie Belle."

"Nice to meet you." the leader said. "I'm Gates, that's Trevor, Sipes, and Adams. We'd prefer to keep our full names secret."

"Is that why you saluted me?" Scootaloo asked. "Are you like a Royal Guard, or something?"

"Not really." Gates said. "We're elite soldiers representing our nation's government and diplomatic interests. We came here due to a series of events in our world that were rather...unsettling to us."

"What kind of events?" Applebloom asked.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss that at this moment." Gates said. "However, we are investigating them, and have reason to believe that whoever set these events in motion came to this world."

"You mean they came to Equestria?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"If this world is Equestria, then yes." Trevor said. "However, we don't know who or where they are, or what their goals consist of."

"We're still in a mess on our end…" Gates said. "And we're in need of answers to questions we have. Is there local leadership, a high-placed authority figure around here that we can speak to? Or is there a person who can alert your nation's ruling party?"

"If you mean you want whoever's in charge, that's Princess Twilight." Scootaloo said. "She's a friend of ours, and she might know what to do."

"Where's she currently at?" Adams asked.

"Her castle, here in Ponyville." Scootaloo said. "It's a giant crystal tree, you can't miss it."

"We'll head there, then." Gates said. "You three, keep quiet about us being here until a later time, okay?"

"I don't think that's a good idea." Scootaloo said. "If we come with you, we could back up whatever you say to her. And besides, don't you need a guide or three?"

"Maybe." Gates said. "Anything else?"

"Well, Ponyville's pretty busy around this time, so you'll be seen in an instant." Sweetie Belle said. "We know a few shortcuts that'll get you there, no problem."

"Alright." Gates said. "Guide us there, we'll owe you one. Don't worry about visual detection, our Camo can turn us invisible. However, you need to keep pace with us. If we move too fast, we can be seen by anyone."

"Okay." Applebloom said. "Is there any way you can talk to us if you're invisible?"

"Only one." Gates said, tossing her a small earpiece. "Let me see your ear for a moment."

To Gates's relief and Scootaloo's confusion, he found that he could fit the small radio into Scootaloo's ear with no problem.

"Okay, that thing I just put in your ear is called a radio." Gates said. "It'll let all of us talk to you while we're cloaked."

"Can I take it out?" Scootaloo asked

"Yep. Just pinch it and pull, and you take it out whenever you want." Adams said. "Just know that you'll need to keep your voice down."

"Right!" the three fillies said.

"Alright, let's move!" Gates said. As Sipes opened the door, the four Ghosts cloaked up and assumed a diamond formation around the fillies, as to not get lost.

"Can you hear me?" Gates asked.

"Yep, loud and clear." Scootaloo said.

"Good. Once we get to this Castle, we'd like our radio back." Gates said. "Okay, let's move!"

As the seven of them cut through the orchard towards Ponyville, Applejack approached the barn.

"I told Applebloom to stay out of this barn!" she sighed. "Seems she needs a little reminder about that. That is, if I can find her."

As Applebloom set out to find her sister and her friends, Applebloom shuddered slightly.

Author's Note

Update!

Next time-After several close calls on their way to the Castle, the Ghosts make first contact.

Chapter 3-Princess Twilight

As the three fillies, surrounded by the cloaked Ghosts, walked through Ponyville, Gates and his team were busy documenting everything through their Cross-coms. Though they were primarily taking photos, Adams was recording a constant video feed for future reference.

"Hey, Scoots?" Gates asked through the radio.

"Yeah?" she replied.

"How many of your kind live in this town?" he asked.

"I'd say about one hundred." she replied. "Ponyville's pretty small, but we don't mind."

"I see." Gates replied. "What kind of welcome can we expect from this Princess Twilight?"

"A good one, she's really nice." Scootaloo said. "Though she is, as Applebloom's Granny would say, long-winded."

"She talks a lot?"

"Yep." Scootaloo said. "She could talk forever if you let her."

As the Ghost chuckled under his breath, he felt at ease, as if this world was somehow affecting him and his state of mind.

"Here we are!" Scootaloo said as they stopped at the entrance to Twilight's Castle. "I'll get the door."

"Roger that." Gates said. "Hey, can I get that radio back now?"

Scootaloo stiffened as Gates removed the earpiece, and moved back with a thumbs-up. As Scootaloo knocked on the door, a female pony with a horn and wings answered.

"Hey, you three." she said. "What's up?"

"Twilight, can we talk to you for a bit?" Scootaloo asked. "We need some non-cutie mark hunting related advice."

"Sure, come on in."

As Scootaloo and her friends followed Twilight into the Castle, Gates held the door open for he and his team to bring up the rear. Sneaking into the foyer, they stood still inside a small room to listen in.

===

"So, what kind of advice do you need?" Twilight asked once they were all seated.

"Twilight, you've dealt with like...ghosts, right?" Scootaloo asked.

"Well, I've heard stories, but why do you ask?" Twilight said, raising an eyebrow.

"Because I saw a Ghost pour water on Diamond Tiara during school today." Scootaloo said. "When she was teasing me, it opened the window and dumped a full canteen on her. As I saw it leave, it saluted me."

That made Twilight startle a bit.

"That's something." Twilight said. "I'm afraid that I'm not exactly well-versed in paranormal occurrences, but tell me everything you can."

"Well, that's when things get kinda...tough to explain." Scootaloo said. "We talked to them, and.."

"And what?" Twilight inquired. "Scootaloo, what happened?"

Scootaloo took a deep breath, and called out.

"Gates, everyone, can I get some help here?"

"Sure thing, Scootaloo."

As Twilight watched with wide eyes, she could see four mirages appear in the room and turn completely visible. Gates and his team stood in front of an astounded Twilight, before Gates pulled out a chair and sat down.

"You're the Princess Twilight we've heard so much about?" he asked.

"That's me…" Twilight said. "Are you human?"

"What?" Gates said, slowly going for his sidearm. "How the hell do you know that we're human?"

"Well, I know someone in the human world…" Twilight said. "Your body shape is similar enough that I could assume you were the same."

Gates lowered his hand from his holster and sighed.

"Well, cat's out of the bag now" he said. "I'm Captain Matthew Gates, US Army Fifth Special Forces Group, Ghost Recon. That's First Lieutenant Thomas Sipes, and Staff Sergeants James Trevor and Caleb Adams. Callsign is Aegis Team."

"Princess Twilight Sparkle." Twilight replied. "How did you get to Equestria? The only known portal to the human world only opens every thirty moons."

"Long story and a complicated one at that." Gates said. "There's been a shitshow of events in our world that led us here."

"What kind of events?" Twilight asked.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss that." Gates said. "What I can tell you is that the United Nations complex in Manhattan, New York, was bombed as of...about ten hours ago, by my watch. We don't know who did it, but we assume that they came here due us finding a portal in the wreckage."

That made Twilight flinch and take a deep breath.

"Okay, that's definitely a problem." she said. "I have to admit I'm also not sure who would do something like that. But I'll help you as best I can."

"Works for me." Gates said. "Sipes, we still have comms?"

"Five for five." Sipes replied. "Need a line to Major Mitchell?"

"What do you think?" Gates frowned. "Of course we need a line to Major Mitchell, dumbass. Get on it."

"Okay, okay…"

As Twilight watched with a raised eyebrow, Gates tapped on his wristpad and touched his ear.

"Colonel, this is Aegis Lead, do you copy?" he asked.

"We read you, Aegis, what's your status?" said a gruff, veteran voice.

"We've made first contact with local leadership, requesting advice for going forward."

"Copy, I'm en route. I've been streaming your cross-com feeds to the President and his Cabinet. Suffice to say, they're taking it well, or as best they can for the moment. I'm en route through the portal to assist."

"Roger." Gates said. "We'll cover you when you arrive."

"Good, I'll see you on the other side, Aegis. Mitchell out."

As Gates ended the call, Twilight started to leave the room.

"I'll go get whatever books I have on humanity." she said to Sipes and Adams. "It probably won't be much, but I'll see what I can find."

"Anything will help, thank you." Gates said as Twilight headed out. "So, team, where do we go from here?"

"I don't know, but I'm liking this." Sipes said, pulling out his iPod to the three fillies' curiosity. "Anyone want some music?"

"Fine, but keep it down, though." Gates said. As Sipes placed the headphones into his ears and hit PLAY, he began to nod his head in time with the music.

"What's that?" Scootaloo asked.

"iPod." Gates said. "It's a small device capable of many things, but it primarily plays music."

"Wow." Sweetie Belle said. "How's it do that?"

"I'm not sure, I don't make them." Gates replied. "Just a bunch of human technology inside a plastic case. It's not really important how it works, I just care that it does."

"Weird." Applebloom said.

"And on that note, I'm back." Twilight said, carrying a load of books. "Let's get to work."

Author's Note

Update!

Next time-More introductions, a Q/A session, and Major Mitchell makes a phone call to the infamous El Sueno...

EDIT 4/19/19 - Continuity edits.

Chaper 4-Introductions by the Score

As Gates and his team seated themselves in the Castle Library, Twilight brought over a stack of heavy, leather-bound books.

"What's all that for?" Sipes asked.

"It's all of the most comprehensive information we have on humanity." Twilight replied. "I figured you could help me with some fact-checking, if you're so inclined…"

"We've got time." Gates said, opening one of the books. "Colonel?'

"If it helps further establish friendly relations, do it." Mitchell replied. "We've also made progress on our end regarding the attacker's identities.'

"Roger, keep us posted." Gates said.

"I will. Overlord out."

As the Ghosts and Twilight, now aided by the CMC, sorted through the books, they didn't notice Applejack approach the castle through the window.

====

Applejack had to admit one thing about her younger sister, she was elusive. She had been looking for Applebloom for an hour now, and still no sign of her yet. Applejack had told her many times to stay out of the barn when it wasn't cider season, yet it seems Applebloom needed another reminder of that.

As Applejack entered Twilight's castle, she saw the three fillies looking over some thick books through a door.

"Applebloom!" she called, causing her sister and her friends to jump. "What have I told you about the barn when it's not cider season?"

As she stormed into the room, oblivious to the astonished Ghosts sitting on her left, Applebloom started to shiver.

"You stay out?" she said meekly.

"And what did you do?" Applejack added..

"We went in." Applebloom said. "But we had a good reason!"

"I don't care!" Applejack said. "You stay out of the barn when it's not Cider Season! Why would you go in there even though I've told you this?"

"Ghosts." Scootaloo said.

"Ghosts?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Like in Granny Smith's stories?"

"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle said. "We met four of them!"

"Now you're crazy." Applejack said flatly. "Ghosts aren't real."

"We're real." Gates said, breaking into the conversation. "And we're right next to you."

As Applejack turned to the left, she yelped in fright and took a low fighting stance, as the Ghosts went for their sidearms.

"Applejack, please!" Twilight said. "They're my guests!"

That made Applejack stand up, though she did so with caution.

"What were you doing in our barn?" she asked.

"Resting." Gates said. "If we did any damage or harm, we apologize. Though, did we break anything, Applebloom?"

"Nope." Applebloom said.

Applejack looked away,

"Okay, fine." she said. "Applebloom, you're off the hook. Just...keep what I told you in mind, okay?"

As the CMC nodded, Applejack sat down across from the Ghosts.

"So…" she said.

"Yeah…" Gates added, as neither side was sure where to begin talking.

"I guess I should say I'm sorry?" Applejack asked.

"Maybe." Gates said. "Anyway...can we get back to work on the problem at hand?"

"Oh, right!" Twilight says as the en-masse shuffling of pages resumed again. "Have you found anything?"

"Not yet." Trevor said. "All this crap, it's like trying to read a business contract."

"Well, most of it is speculative." Twilight said.

"And the rest of it is completely wrong." Gates added. "Like it says here that we're 11 hooves tall on average, with an average weight of over 500 pounds. What kind of bullshit is that?"

"Not something I'd read, that's for sure." Sipes smiled.

"I think I should go." Applejack said. "Applebloom, get home when you can, okay?"

"Sure."

As Applejack tipped her hat in apology and left, the Ghosts resumed their work. That is, until the voice of Colonel Mitchell spoke through Gates' radio.

"Aegis Lead, this is Overlord. We've got some new intel for you."

"Send it." Gates said.

"We've managed to analyze the device you recovered from the UN. It matches tech made by Trinity Labs, located in New York."

"Trinity?" Gates asked. "Don't they make cutting-edge military and scientific tech?"

"Officially, no the first, but yes to the second." Mitchell said. "They reported a theft consisting of a confidential project about two weeks before now. That's most likely the device."

"Brilliant. Any Idea who did it?"

"Negative." Mitchell said. "We'll dig up what we can on our end. Aegis, until then, let's just go with the flow. Anyway, I've got to make a phone call to Langley."

"The CIA?" Gates sounded confused. "May I ask why, sir?"

"They've got a contact that I need some intel from. Who that might be is classified. Keep up the good work, Aegis Team. Mitchell out."

As Gates returned to his work, the entirety of the group jumped at hearing rapid knocks on the door, coming from the foyer.
"Who might that be?" Adams asked.

"I'll take a look." Twilight said, leaving the room. Gates got out of his chair and followed, motioning for his team to stay put. Slowly taking hold of his HK417, he rounded the corner to the foyer to see what was going on.

From what we could tell, the residents had figured out he and his team was in the town. It also seemed they weren't happy.

"Okay, for the last time, they are my guests!' Twilight yelled in an exasperated manner. "Now please leave them alone. We're working on something important together, and I would like to resume it as soon as possible!"

The crowd didn't leave, only increasing the volume of their voices. Gates rolled his eyes and started to move forward towards the door, eventually coming into view.

====

The crowd gasped as the strange being came into eyesight and stood next to Twilight with its limbs crossed. It was tall, like a minotaur, only without the crooked legs. It wore strange clothing, but what surprised the crowd the most was the eyes it had.

A pair of brilliant, intelligent blue eyes looked at them with apprehension. As walked forward, it spoke.

"Okay, you want to know what's going on? Well, here I am."

He, at least it sounded like a he, rolled its eyes as the crowd recoiled, realizing they could understand him.

"First things first. There's three others of my kind with me, and though we may seem...strange, we're emissaries from our world working with your Princess on a matter of complete importance. But I'd also like to know who told you about us being here?" he asked.

The crowd parted down the middle to let a guilty-looking Applejack come forward.

"Applejack?' Twilight asked. "What did you do?"

"I told Rarity about them since she was looking for Sweetie Belle and wanted to know if I'd seen her. After that, she told Rainbow, who told Pinkie, who told everypony else in town." Applejack sighed. "I'm sorry, Twilight. I couldn't stop them."

"You should be." Gates said. "Look, I'm not mad, Applejack. I'm disappointed that you blew my own and my team's cover. We pride ourselves on remaining undetected."

"Well, I'm awfully sorry." Applejack said. "Can ya forgive me?"

"Forgiven." Gates said. "Look, you want more details, my team and I will tell you all what we're allowed to say later and answer any questions we can. For now, can we get some privacy, please?"

The crowd slowly dispersed, quiet as could be. Gates headed back inside, and Twilight followed.

"You handled that well." Twilight said.

"Yeah, comes with hard experience." Gates said as they stood near the room where the others were still working. "Anyway..."

As the two of them headed inside, Sipes raised an eyebrow.

"What happened, boss?" he asked.

"Just some curious locals." Gates said. "We're wasting time, let's get back to work."

====
Earth, USS Ticonderoga
New York Harbor

As Scott Mitchell looked over the NYPD police report on the Trinity break-in, he sighed in frustration. New York's finest had done their best, but the report wasn't being much help. From what the Lt. Colonel could tell, the perpetrators had made it in clean and quick, stolen the device, and made it out through a back entrance, without tripping the alarms or sensors.

Mitchell then scrolled down, and scrolled through the list of suspects. All had airtight alibis and were found to have no connection, but Mitchell wasn't so sure.

"Wait, what about you?" he asked, pulling up the report on the night watchman. "You might know something."

====

One phone call later, Mitchell had what he needed. When he made contact with the night guard, and stated his name, rank, and purpose, the man had sighed.

"Look, I'll tell you what you want to know. Just...keep them away from me, okay? I broke in and stole the device, only because some guy there said he could give me whatever I wanted for it. I was broke, so I took his offer. I dropped it off later, and the next day I get a boatload of cash in my bank account, over 500 grand. I needed the money, and....well, I'm sorry."

"I'm not exactly able to forgive you, but I'll keep this between us." Mitchell said. "My lips are sealed."

"Thanks." the man replied. "Look, I don't know the guy's name, either. We communicated over the phone only. I tried calling the number again, and it didn't work."

"Any help is appreciated." Mitchell said. "Have a good day, sir."

As Mitchell hung up, he closed the report screen on his laptop and sighed. Then, a soldier poked his head in.

"Colonel?" he reported. "There's a call on the MTAC for you."

"Thank you, Petty Officer." Mitchell said, standing up and heading out of the small room that served as his temporary office. Following the Petty Officer to MTAC, he was greeted by the image of the President of the United States.

"Colonel, any progress?" the President asked.

"I've located and spoken to one of the witnesses regarding a break-in at Trinity labs, where the device we found originated from. We've got a lead, but it's a small one."

"Good work." the President replied. "Also, what's all this I keep hearing about a "Contact Alpha" situation?"

Mitchell cursed silently, as only he and a select few knew about his Ghost team being in Equestria.

"I'll inform you of what I can, sir." Mitchell groaned. "It's still developing, though a Ghost Team is on the ground."

"Well, let's hear it then." the President stated. "Time isn't on our side, Colonel. Tell me what I need to know."

Author's Note

Update!

Next time-Mitchell speaks to the infamous El Sueno, and the Ghosts settle down for the night. Also, Luna speaks with Gates in the dreamworld.

Chapter 5 - Dreams

"Hey guys, found something!" Sipes's voice attracted the attention of everyone in the room. As Gates, Trevor, and Adams crowded around their teammate, Sipes pulled a yellowed sheet of paper out of a journal of theories on humanity.

"What is it?" Gates asked as he looked over Sipes's shoulder.

"Probably the most accurate description of a human I've seen before, done by a non-human." Sipes mused. "I mean, the stuff I'm seeing here could be from some college textbook, it's that good. Who the hell wrote this?"

"One sec." Gates said, pulling the journal's cover into view. "Hmm, author's name is Bishop Down, lives in Canterlot, renowned paleontologist and historian in the field of mythical races. That's all there is."

"Odd." Twilight said. "That name sounds familiar, though I can't tell why. Anyway..."

As Twilight and the CMC turned to the wall-mounted clock, they gasped.

"It's almost seven!" Twilight yelped. "Great, we lost track of time!"

"Yeah, we need to head home! We've got school tomorrow!" Applebloom added. "Granny's gonna kill me if I miss class!"

"Go." Gates said. "Just keep our research quiet, okay? Don't mention this to anyone."

"You got it!" the three fillies replied as they headed out. Twilight sat back in her chair, sighing from exhaustion.

"Well, I guess we'll pick this up in the morning?" she asked.

"Sure thing." Gates replied. "I take it you're all hungry and tired, so let's get some rest, Ghosts."

"No shit." Trevor deadpanned. "I can't remember the last time I've eaten today."

"Well, let's fix that." Twilight said. "Follow me."

As the Ghosts gathered their equipment and followed Twilight to the dining room, they sat down as Twilight began to rummage through the pantry.

"I know human and Equestrian diets are different, but similar in some ways, so...eggs okay?" she asked.

"That'd be fine, thanks." Gates said as Twilight began cooking, the stove flaring to life. Eventually, the men took their fill, and were escorted upstairs to a guest room.

"Okay, so it's not much, but it's all I have right now." Twilight said. "I'll get you some spare linens."

"Much obliged." Trevor said as he sat down, setting his M110 Marksman's Rifle to the side. "Geez, what a long day."

"No shit." Adams said, tossing Gates an energy bar from his rucksack. "I mean, first the UN gets bombed, and now we're chasing terrorists in a world full of ponies? Yeah, long day fits the bill."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves." Gates said as he stowed and unloaded their weapons. "We've got ground to make up tomorrow, and we're still on mission. Let's stay focused, guys. We don't know what could happen tomorrow."

"Hear, hear." Sipes replied. Twilight then returned with a stack of blankets and sheets, and once four rudimentary beds were set up, the Ghosts were soon asleep.

====

As the Ghosts slept, Gates tossed and turned, revisiting one of his more unpleasant memories as a nightmare. As he furrowed his eyes, he could remember what happened like it was yesterday.

It was in the winter of Gates's first year in high school. He had just moved to a new home, and that meant a new school. As Gates approached the school doors, a voice called out.

"Hey, you!"

Gates had turned to see a boy older than he approach, and cross his arms.

"What do you think you're doing?" the boy asked.

"Going to school, why?" Gates had replied. "I don't know you."

"You'd better." the boy said. "I'm the boss around here. You want to stay alive, you stay out of my way. We clear?"

"Crystal." Gates had said, starting to walk away.

Then, the boy shoved Gates to the ground, laughing. Gates got back up, his jeans soaked with snow and water. Then, there was a blur, an exchanging of blows, and soon the next thing Gates saw was himself bleeding on the ground, a bruise on his left forehead. As Gates watched the principal and vice-principal help him inside, Gates shook his head as the memory began to fade.

"You are one of Princess Twilight's guests, are you not?"

Gates turned to see another alicorn with a midnight blue coat appear and stand next to him.

"Yep." Gates said. "I take it you're one of the rulers of Equestria?"

"Indeed. I am Princess Luna, Mistress of the Night." she said. "I also tread the dreamscape, where I watch over those who sleep."

"Hmm." Gates said. "Why me?"

"Because I saw what you witnessed just now." Luna said. "What happened to you?"

"That was the day I realized I had to become stronger." Gates said. "The other kid ended up getting suspended because he was a known troublemaker, but it didn't matter to me. After that, things just...changed. When I got home that day, my dad told me that it wasn't my fault, that I had to become stronger and face my foes head on."

Gates gave a sigh and a wistful smile.

"I took that advice to heart." he said. "I started working out, exercising, whole nine yards. When I was nineteen, I joined up like my dad did. Joined the US Army, then the Rangers, and then Ghost Recon. But whenever I go somewhere new, this happens."

"Is that a problem?" Luna asked.

"No." Gates replied. "I look back on that few minutes, and I see my old self and who I am now. It compels me to do better, go farther than I ever could. It's one of my...habits, I guess you could say."

Luna chuckled and smiled at him.

"You certainly are an odd one, Captain Gates." she said. "I suppose coming to meet you in person is a possibility?"

"We're in Ponyville, so come on down." Gates said. "My team and I are ready."

"Then I will bid you goodnight, Captain." Luna said, fading away. "Blessings on you."

As the dream faded, Gates slept undisturbed for the remainder of the night, a small smile on his face.

Author's Note

Update!

Next time - Mitchell makes the call to El Sueno, and Celestia + Luna meet the Ghosts.

Chapter 6 - Hostile Contact

As the sun rose over Equestria, Gates slowly sat up from his sleeping bag and wiped his eyes. Sliding out of bed and heading for the door, he paused when he heard Sipes's voice speak up.

"Morning, boss."

"Morning, Sipes." Gates replied. "How'd you sleep?"

"Just fine." Sipes said as he began preparing his gear for the day ahead. "You?"

"Ditto." Gates replied as he followed Sipes's example, checking and then equipping his combat gear and Cross-Com eyepiece. "Let's head downstairs, see if anyone else is up."

"Roger that."

As the two Ghosts exited the room and headed down the crystalline stairs to the common room, they were surprised to see a small lizard-like being already making breakfast.

"Hey." Gates said. The being turned and paled.

"Easy, easy. We're friends of Twilight." Sipes said. "We're emissaries from another world, we're working on something with her."

"Well, that explains a lot." the being said, taking a deep breath. "Sorry about that. I'm Spike."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Gates, that's Sipes. Trevor and Adams are still upstairs." the leader of Aegis Team spoke as they sat down. "Whatcha making?"

"Hay bacon, eggs, a bit of fish." Spike replied as he worked the oven. "Are you guys human?"

"Yeah." Gates said. "How'd you know?"

"Twilight and I went to a world of humans after somepony stole her Crown." Spike replied. "I got turned into a talking dog."

"Jesus." Sipes said. "What are you supposed to be here, then?"

"A dragon. I'm still young, though." Spike said, setting a platter down on the table. "Twilight's raised me since she hatched me from an egg. I'm her number one assistant."

"First ponies, now dragons?" Sipes asked in disbelief. "Any other mythical inhabitants we should be aware of?"

"Griffons, Minotaurs, Changelings, Yaks, list goes on." Spike counted off. "Anyway, you can go ahead and eat. Twilight should be up later."

"Thanks, Spike." Gates said as he and Sipes began to eat. After that, it wasn't long before Trevor and Adams came downstairs, fully geared and ready.

"Something smells nice." Trevor said as he sat down with Adams. "Who made all this?"

"Spike did." Gates said as Spike headed upstairs to wake Twilight. "Anyway, remember we're still on mission, everyone. Just because we're sojourning here doesn't mean we're off the hook for finding the bastards who bombed the UN. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir." the Ghosts replied. Gates nodded approvingly as they continued to eat. At that moment, Twilight came downstairs and greeted them.

"Morning, Princess." Gates said. "What's on the agenda for today?"

"Well, I would like to show you Ponyville in a more proper manner..." Twilight said. "Also, Princess Luna sent me a letter saying that she and Celestia are coming to visit you, Captain Gates. Any idea why that is?"

"I talked with her last night." Gates said. "In my dreams. Apparently she can enter your mind while you're dreaming. Pretty cool, if you ask me."

"Holy shit." Adams said. "What other impossible stuff can your leaders do?"

"Raise the sun and moon?" Twilight suggested.

"Okay, that's bullshit." Adams said. "The sun and moon revolve around a central sun on their own."

"Not here." Twilight replied. "Celestia and Luna have raised the sun and moon for as long as Equestria has existed. They're the only ones that can do it, since it's respective to their individual magic."

"Damn." Trevor said. "And I thought my high school science class was tough to understand."

"Amen to that." Gates said as everyone chuckled. "Anyway, Princess, what's on the agenda?"

"I figured that I should show you four around Ponyville before Celestia and Luna show up, get the residents used to seeing you."

"Works for me." Sipes said. "When are we leaving?"

"Right after this." Twilight smirked. "And please, be on your best behavior and try not to spook anypony."

"We'll try." Gates said as he cleared his dish, placing it in the crystalline sink. "Alright Ghosts, I want this diplomatic. Nods and smiles, no matter what we get in return. I especially don't want any accidents regarding our presence here. Am I understood?"

"Yes, sir!" the other Ghosts replied. As Gates shouldered his HK417 and stood near the door, the others soon finished their plates and joined him. Twilight opened the door and let the morning sun greet them as they entered Ponyville Plaza.

====

As they walked through the town, Gates could observe several of the residents staring at them or whispering to their friends. Though Gates had been in similar situations back on Earth, it still unnerved him, knowing what they were most likely saying.

"You okay, boss?" Trevor asked over the Cross-Com.

"Yeah, just a bit unsettled." Gates replied. "I'll be fine."

"And there's Sugarcube Corner." Twilight said, snapping Gates out of his trance. "My friend Pinkie runs it with the Cake Family. She's quite excitable, as you probably know."

"That we do know." Adams smiled as they entered, a bell mounted on the door announcing their presence. As they all sat down, Pinkie bounced over and smiled.

"Oh! You're those fancy humans that are working with Twilight!" she gasped. "You hungry?"

"I appreciate the offer, but we've eaten already, ma'am." Gates said. "You got a newspaper I available?"

"Sure thing! Be right back!" Pinkie said, bouncing away.

"You read newspapers, boss?" Adams asked.

"I have my hobbies, just like you." Gates replied. "I've learned that they can be a valuable source of information, or in this case, intel on what's going on in this world."

"And here you go!" Pinkie said, depositing a rolled-up newspaper into Gates' hands. Gates' expression was that of bewilderment, but he soon thanked Pinkie and unfurled it. As the others began talking with Twilight and Spike, Gates scanned the paper for anything useful. Then, his Cross-Com buzzed, signalling an incoming call.

"This is Aegis." he spoke. "You're five for five, Colonel."

"Good to hear." Mitchell replied. "I've made some progress on our end. What about you?"

"Equestria's rulers are incoming to speak with us." Gates said. "Do you want to join in?"

"I would if I was able to." Mitchell replied. "The President just released our status to Congress about an hour ago. Suffice to say, the shit has hit the fan. I've got lots of problems on our end, so for now, you're on your own. Not to mention that I've got a phone call to make to a CIA asset I've been connected with."

"I'll let you be, then." Gates said. "Any progress on identifying the bombers?"

"Negative." Mitchell sighed. "I'll keep you posted, Castle. Mitchell out."

As Gates returned to his newspaper, Twilight looked out the window and she smiled.

"What's up?" Adams asked.

"Celestia and Luna just landed in the plaza." Twilight replied. "Let's go!"

As they exited the cafe, with Gates thanking Pinkie for the newspaper, they walked forward and snapped to salute as Celestia and Luna approached.

"You are Captain Matthew Gates?" Celestia asked.

"Indeed. Princess Celestia, I presume?" Gates replied.

"You presume correctly." Luna replied. "A pleasure to meet you face to face, Captain."

"Pleasure's ours, ma'am." Gates smiled. "I'd prefer if we got to business immediately."

"I agree." Celestia said as they began to walk back to Twilight's Castle. "I am afraid that I am not up to speed on what has happened here, would you care to fill me in?"

"Sure thing." Gates said as they entered the plaza. As they neared the castle, Gates' Cross-Com began to ping, signalling an unknown contact before it began to short out.

"You guys getting interference on your Cross-Coms?" Gates asked.

"Yeah, my system just went down." Adams said. "What the hell's going on here?"

Then, there was a crack, a spray of dust, and the ground near Gates' foot erupted from the impact of a sniper's bullet.

"Ambush!" Trevor yelled as gunfire erupted from all over. As the group darted for cover, Gates slid into safety and loaded his HK417.

"Get some Sensor Grenades out! Sipes, cover the left!" Gates ordered. "Trevor, Adams, start shooting! The rest of you, keep your heads down!"

As the ponies sheltered behind cover, Gates hurled a Sensor Grenade and moved to engage their newly-identified attackers, his assault rifle at the ready.

Author's Note

Yep, the Ghosts are now under fire. From whom, you might ask?

You'll see next chapter.

Chapter 7 - Engagement

As Gates opened fire on their mystery attackers, Princess Luna deployed a magical shield around herself, Celestia, and Twilight for protection against the hail of bullets flying around them. Sipes ducked behind a loaded cart and hurled a Sensor Grenade to aid his team leader.

"Gates, I see them! On that building on the right side!" Sipes yelled over the Cross-Com. "They've got us pinned down!"

"Roger that! Trevor, Adams, get the Princesses out of here! We'll deal with this!" Gates ordered. The other two Ghosts sheltered Celestia and Luna as they moved the into an alley away from the ambush. As they took defensive positions, Gates moved up and switched on his Magnetic Filter on his Cross-Com.

As three hostiles appeared in pale blue in the gray background, Gates realized they were using Active Camo like they were. Gates slid behind a food cart and lined up his sights. Motioning to Sipes for a burst of suppressive fire, his fellow Ghost opened up with his Goblin PDR. Gates moved up and pulled the pin on a frag grenade, and hurled it onto the rooftop.

The grenade soon detonated, obscuring the hostiles in a cloud of dust and debris. As the bullets ceased flying and the two Ghosts breached the door, they ascended the stairs to find three hostiles, wearing black and yellow, lying dead on the ground and partially blown apart.

"Who are these guys?" Sipes asked. "I thought we were the only ones with Camo tech."

"Not anymore." Gates said, searching one of the bodies. Reaching into a pouch on the side, he pulled out a unit patch portraying a snarling jaguar on the front of the South American continent, and two words in Spanish.

Los Extranjeros

"Damn." Gates cursed. "Mercenaries."

"How can you tell?" Sipes asked.

"I know another Ghost team who took these guys on after Operation Kingslayer in Bolivia." Gates said. "These bastards ran the country for a few weeks and made Santa Blanca's regime look pleasant while doing it. They're elite rank, with expert training and tactics."

"Shit." Sipes said. "And how do you know all this?"

"I got a copy of that team's AAR when they toppled the Extranjeros' command structure." Gates replied, continuing to search the other bodies. "If they're here, that's a big problem."

"You think?" Adams said, coming in. "You figure these guys bombed the UN?"

"These guys? Well, maybe, seeing as they were officially broken up by the UN itself for human rights abuses when they were brought down. But they're just mercenaries, someone has to be paying them or controlling them." Gates said, snapping a few photos. "That doesn't explain the camo tech, though. Where'd they get that?"

"No clue." Trevor said from the doorway. "Celestia's brought her guards to clean up the site. We should report to Mitchell about this, and soon."

As the Ghosts helped drag the bodies down the stairs, Celestia and the other Princesses approached with a Royal Guard Platoon. As the dead mercenaries were covered under white tarps, Gates opened a connection to Mitchell.

"Aegis, this is Mitchell. What's your status, we heard gunfire over the cross-com."

"This is Aegis." Gates replied. "We were ambushed by Los Extranjeros mercenaries, equipped with Camo tech. Three KIA."

"Roger." Mitchell replied. "I'm sending you some reinforcements, Castle. Lock down the site and find any intel you can on the bodies. Hunter and Patriot Teams are incoming. I figure you'll need to introduce them. They'll be going by their callsigns, I suggest you do the same."

"Roger that." Gates said. "Aegis Lead out."

"So, if we're going by call-signs now, what are they?" Trevor asked as the Ghosts headed to Twilight's castle.

"What do you think, Skate?" Gates said. "Remember that I've read your files, gents."

"Right in one, Aegis Lead." Sipes said. "I've missed my call-sign."

"And what's that?" Adams raised an eyebrow. "Mine was Ivy."

"It's Domino." Sipes replied. "So, what's the plan?"

"We find out where those mercs came from, and we shut them down." Gates said. "We'd better brief the Princesses before Patriot and Hunter get here."

====

"So, these mercenaries..." Celestia asked once she, Twilight, and Luna were informed of the new threat. "They were disbanded for their crimes in Bolivia?"

"Affirmative." Gates said. "Problem is, that was five years ago. If they're up and running again, we'll need intel as to who got them out of the ground."

"Agreed." Luna replied. "But where do we start?"

"We've got two additional Ghost Teams incoming to help with that." Sipes said. "Designations are Hunter and Patriot. Once they get here, we'll start getting our plan ready."

"Alright." Twilight said. "How long should it be?"

"Not sure." Gates said, glancing at his wristwatch. "They're usually pretty punctual from what I've heard."

Then, Gates' radio crackled.

"Aegis Lead, this is Hunter Lead, do you copy?" a voice replied.

"We copy, Hunter. What's your location?" Gates replied.

"We've linked up with Patriot Team and we're moving to your position now." Hunter Lead replied. "We arrived in an apple orchard near the east side of the town."

"We'll come to you." Gates said. "Be advised, local royalty is coming in with us, so don't engage. We've got a lot to tell you."

"I don't doubt it." said another voice. "This is Nomad. Aegis Lead, it's been awhile."

"It certainly has been, Nomad." Gates said. "On our way."

As the Ghosts of Aegis Team, followed by Celestia and Luna, headed for Sweet Apple Acres, they didn't notice a second team of cloaked soldiers watching them through a sniper scope from atop the nearby hill.

"It appears that Team One has been neutralized." the sniper said, adjusting the zoom on his SVS Sniper Rifle. "Should we engage them?"

"Negative." the spotter replied. "We have our orders. The mercs were only the distraction. We rendezvous at The Cavern once they were eliminated. We've wasted enough time here."

As the two soldiers broke off and headed for the Everfree, the image of a wolf's head patch appeared for a brief moment on their shoulders before they vanished.

====

As the two Bodark soldiers reached the base of Whitetail Mountain, they pulled up a holographic mesh driven into the rock, revealing an abandoned mineshaft. As they entered the tunnel and passed the entrance, they soon arrived in the main atrium and command center.

As they passed by several teams of Los Extranjeros mercs and several more Bodark units checking supplies, moving crates, and monitoring radios, they headed for the barracks on the east side of the mine.

"So, how much longer do we have?" the spotter asked his partner. "The Americans and the locals will find us sooner or later."

"We have enough firepower here to take on a small army." the sniper replied. "Plus, if they do manage to infiltrate our defenses, we have the Tusker with us."

"Don't remind me." the spotter replied as they entered the garage, where a four-wheeled drone mounted with a minigun and grenade launcher was being repaired. The drone had wheels and clawed legs capable of walking alongside driving, and it boasted 5cm of armor plating. The Bodark logo was plastered on the front.

"And when those bastards come here..." one of them said. "It will be ready."

Author's Note

Yep, Los Extranjeros and the Bodarks are working together. But who's controlling them? That still remains a secret.